The book introduces the basic sociological concepts relevant to the study of dominant and subordinate relations, and gives a basic intellectual framework to approach this ever-changing and emotional facet of life in this country. This concise topical introduction to race and ethnicity in the U.S. explores prejudice, discrimination, immigration, ethnicity, and religion in their historical and current contexts. Professionals in politics, social work, human resources, and other professions related to the racial and ethnic climate of the U.S.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap:

Preface

Race and ethnicity, along with religion and gender, are topics that emerge in every area-politics, law, the economy, entertainment, and sports, to name a few. In addition, we as individuals observe the tension and sometimes violence that emerge in the multicultural nation that is the United States.

This second edition of Race and Ethnicity in the United States introduces the reader to the sociological treatment of the topic. I offer the basic perspectives used in the discipline and an overview of the contemporary situation. But as I point out throughout the book and especially in Chapter 6, race and ethnicity are not static. They are changing phenomenon moving to an even more diverse society in terms of race and ethnicity. I equip the reader with the basic intellectual tools to unravel this continuing emotional area of national debate. A Practical, Useful Introduction

I begin with an introduction on what minority groups are and how assimilation and pluralism function as racial processes. The presentation of the all-important areas of prejudice and discrimination draws on not only sociology but also psychology and economics. The significant role played by immigration-past, present, and future-receives a chapter-length treatment. A discussion of race and ethnicity would not be complete without recognition of both White ethnic groups and the diversity of religious expression today. In the concluding chapters, I seek to stress that intolerance knows no barriers and is experienced even by those minority-group members who have achieved some economic success. I also comment that despite all the discussion of "race relations," we may not all be communicating with the same basic understandings.

Changes in the Second Edition and New Features throughout the Book

Every line, every source, and every number of the first edition have been rechecked for their currency. Throughout the book are additions to improve the pedagogy of the well-received first edition published six years ago:

Internet exercises at the end of each chapter Review questions in addition to critical thinking questions

The second edition includes the following additions and changes:

—Dramatic presentation of racial and ethnic change from 1500 to projections for 2050 (Chapter 1) —Listen to Their Voices: Problem of the Color-Line, W.E.B. DuBois (Chapter 1) —Section on social construction of race (Chapter 1) —Section on Census 2000's handling of multiracial identification (Chapter 1) —Section titled "Who Am I?" dealing with diversity within individuals (Chapter 1) —Section on resistance and change emphasizing efforts by subordinate groups (Chapter 1) —Section on hate crimes accompanied by map showing state-by-state policies (Chapter 2) —Case study on television as it relates to prejudice (Chapter 2) —Figure illustrating change in racial composition of TV characters (Chapter 2) —Listen to Their Voices: In Search of Bruce Lee's Grave, Shanlon Wu (Chapter 2) —Listen to Their Voices: Of Race and Risk, Patricia J. Williams (Chapter 3) —Section on glass ceiling's impact in the labor market (Chapter 3) —Section on environmental justice as a form of discrimination (Chapter 3) —Listen to Their Voices: Roots, Raffi Ishkanian (Chapter 4) —Section on the economic impact of immigration (Chapter 4) —New tables on benefits and concerns of immigration and on the major policies over the last 130 years (Chapter 4) —"Whiteness" as reflected in the growing consideration of White studies in academe introduced here in the context of ethnicity (Chapter 5) —Listen to Their Voices: When the Boats Arrived, Diane Glancy (Chapter 5) Case example on Italian Americans (Chapter 5) —Section on limits of religious freedom dealing with the Amish (Chapter 5) —The changing workforce in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender (Chapter 6)

Reflecting the changes in virtually every paragraph is the large number of new key terms. By chapter they include the following:

I am very grateful to the many instructors who have used the more comprehensive Racial and Ethnic Groups who have assisted me in improving the coverage of the material presented in this more concise volume. In developing this book, I have benefited from my association with Sharon Chambliss and Nancy Roberts of Prentice Hall. I am grateful to the assistance at DePaul University of Department Assistant Melissa Haeffner and Student Assistant Christina Suarez. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of John Tenuto of the College of Lake County in Illinois for developing the Internet exercises at the conclusion of each chapter. As in all my endeavors, the continuing daily support of my wife, Sandy, and my son, Peter, has been of immeasurable assistance.

Richard T. Schaefer schaeferrtaol

From the Back Cover:

This brief, compelling, inexpensive book is a concise introduction to race and ethnicity in the U.S. Schaefer explores prejudice, discrimination, immigration, and ethnicity and religion in their historical and current contexts. Current coverage of today's racial and ethnic issues, including Census 2000's handling of multiracial identification, racial change in TV characters, hate crimes, and the glass ceiling in the labor market. New Internet Exercises at the end of each chapter. New Listen to Their Voices first-person essays at the end of each chapter. A striking illustration program that includes editorial cartoons. Ideal for professionals in fields of nursing, social work, criminal justice, and education, and for anyone who wants to learn more about issues of race and ethnicity in the United States.